The Power of Prayer: Connecting with God Each Day

FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2023

TEXT: Number 20:14-29

14: Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come on us.

15: Our ancestors went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors,

16: but when we cried out to the Lord, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. “Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory.

17: Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”

18: But Edom answered: “You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.”

19: The Israelites replied: “We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot—nothing else.”

20: Again they answered: “You may not pass through.” Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army.

21: Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.

22: The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor.

23: At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron,

24: “Aaron will be gathered to his people. He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.

25: Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor.

26: Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there.”

27: Moses did as the Lord commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community.

28: Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain,

29: and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, all the Israelites mourned for him thirty days.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: UNFORGIVING SPIRIT AND GOD’S HATRED FOR DISOBEDIENCE

When conflict are not resolved and there is no true forgiveness, animosities would be carried - over onto succeeding generations.

Today's readings remind us about the way Jacob betrayed Esau. Jacob wanted to pass through the land of Edom to the descendants of Esau but the king of Edom would not allow him because of the enmity that had existed between their great grandparents.

We must not pass the hatred of yesterday to the generations of today. Edom came out against him (Israel) with a large number of people and a strong hand.

Always settle issues within the family as they occur and let go of past offenses. God hates the sin of disobedience, especially concerning His servants.

Moses and Aaron continued to suffer the consequences of what happened at the water of Meribah (vs 23 and 24). Aaron died on Mount Hor while Moses died later on - all as a result of the disobedience called rebellion.

We should keep eternity in focus as we relate with God and those around us.

QUESTION: Do you still allow an unforgiving spirit and disobedience to grow in your life?

PRAYER: Fill my heart, dear Lord, with the Holy Spirit that an unforgiving spirit and disobedience will have no room in it, in Jesus name. Amen.